Some meters can transmit meter readings from a meter at a service location to the meter reader. If your organization is using electronic meter reading, you will need to set up an electronic reading format to format the the meter reading file from the electronic meter reader. 

You may need to refer to the electronic meter reading device's user guide to complete this section. The format is a mask, composed of a series of symbols and characters, to format the value that is stored in a field. The values that display in the Format drop-down list are based on the field type. For example, if the field in the reading format stores a date then the Format drop-down list will display the commonly used mask for formatting a date field.

Adding an electronic reading format

1. Open Connect Utility Management > Organization > Electronic Reading Format.

2. Click New (CTRL+N).

3. Select the Interface Type.

You can set up the electronic meter reading file to import, export, or update data for a third-party application.

What is the interface type?

• Use the Interface Type to select the name of the third-party application that will use the electronic reading format to send, receive, or update data.

This is the title that will display as the name of the electronic reading format in Caselle.

The type defines the behavior for the electronic reading format. Use Import to bring in information from a third-party application. Use Export to send out information to a third-party application. Use Update to bring in information from a meter reading file.

What is the purpose of the electronic reading format?

• This file is for importing information. Use Type to select Import.

• This file is for exporting information. Use Type to select Export.

• This file is for bringing an electronic file up to date. Use Type to select Update.

When the field length is limited to a set number of characters the field has a fixed length. XML, Extensible Markup Language, is a format for coding information on the Internet.

The format is the field name, followed by a comma (,), followed by field length. Caselle defines these electronic reading formats for you. You can use this electronic reading format as is or as a starting point to create a new form.

Important! Using Import Caselle Master will replace the information in the Format field with the Caselle Master.

Supported Electronic Reading Formats List

Do you want to use a Caselle Master?

• Yes, I want to use a Caselle Master. Click Import Caselle Master.

• No, I want to start from the beginning. Click on the Format field to enter the field name, followed by a comma (,), followed by field length.

The electronic reading format is saved.

202205, 2022Jun27

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